SPARK RUN Organizer Nicole Mak on Building Community Through Road Racing
AM730 · 1 SOURCESabout 1 hour ago2 MIN
Summary
SPARK RUN, a company that has primarily organized trail running events, is branching into road racing with its fifth edition scheduled for November 1. The race will take place entirely on the notorious High Island Road in Sai Kung, earning the nickname "Devil's Racecourse" for its significant elevation changes and lack of shade. Event coordinator Nicole Mak Hoi-ling reveals that despite the logistical challenges of securing permits from multiple government departments, the emotional connections formed with runners make the effort worthwhile.
Key Points
- The fifth SPARK RUN event on November 1 offers four categories: 5km, 10km, half marathon, and a ROCKIT 10km charity relay .
- The half marathon on High Island Road features a total elevation gain exceeding 700 meters, with virtually no shade or tree cover along the course .
- Nicole Mak has been planning this High Island Road race for four to five years, motivated by the route's stunning scenery despite its remote location requiring taxi access costing over 100 Hong Kong dollars .
- Organizing the event requires permits from multiple government departments, with applications to the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department needing to be submitted nine months in advance; the team begins planning the next edition immediately after each race concludes .
- Elite local runners Tsang Hiu-tung and Wong Wan-chun are confirmed to compete in the half marathon event .
Why It Matters
This race represents a strategic pivot for SPARK RUN as the road running market proves larger and more accessible than trail running, which has faced increased competition post-pandemic with many local runners traveling abroad for events. For Nicole, the event transcends commercial objectives—she emphasizes that SPARK RUN aims to build relationships with participants, transforming what could be a simple transaction into meaningful community connections that keep runners returning year after year.
This race represents a strategic pivot for SPARK RUN as the road running market proves larger and more accessible than trail running, which has faced increased competition post-pandemic with many local runners traveling abroad for events. For Nicole, the event transcends commercial objectives—she emphasizes that SPARK RUN aims to build relationships with participants, transforming what could be a simple transaction into meaningful community connections that keep runners returning year after year.